SSJ Next Generation rescheduled to 2016, SSJ-100 upgrade made focal point - ministry
MOSCOW. Aug 14 (Interfax-AVN) - The Russian Industry and Trade Ministry has suspended financing of the Sukhoi Superjet Next General project, Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Yuri Slyusar said at a Wednesday conference chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin.
"We have just suspended financing for the SSJ Next Generation project. The project is delayed until 2016 so that resources can be concentrated on the upgrading and curing of "infantile diseases" of the SSJ-100," Slyusar said.
Approximately 4 billion rubles will be allocated for the upgrade, he added.
Opinions about the SSJ may differ but "this project is vital for the future of [Russia's] civilian aircraft industry," he said.
A key objective of the Industry and Trade Ministry in the field of civil aviation is to create demand for SSJ jets on the domestic market, Slyusar said.
